Barring any last-minute developments, today is the day the clipboards get unleashed. People hoping to recall San Diego Mayor Bob Filner can begin circulating their petitions.

Campaign organizers said the next week or so will demonstrate whether the outrage and disgust they sense in the community over Filner’s alleged sexual misconduct and other aspects of his tenure up to now will translate into people not only signing petitions, but seeking them out.

The effort faces daunting logistical hurdles — gathering more than 100,000 signatures in a few weeks — but organizers are optimistic. Unlike other recent initiatives about pension reform or genetically modified foods, this one won’t take much explaining, they believe. It’s a cause that sells itself.

In his official response, which is part of the petition, Filner said he is “committed to moving San Diego forward!” The next month or so will determine whether he and his constituents share a definition of what it means to move forward.